Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts from the genus Candida, predominantly Candida albicans. Candida yeasts are fungi normally found in the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina that commonly cause no harm. However, certain conditions enable Candida to infect the skin including, hot and humid weather, tight synthetic underclothing, poor hygiene, infrequent diaper or undergarment changes, weakened immune system resulting from diabetes, HIV infections, use of corticosteroids, pregnancy, obesity, and use of antibiotics. The symptoms of skin candidiasis are redness and itching while those of esophageal candidiasis are difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and nausea. The symptoms for vaginal candidiasis are itching, burning sensation, irritation, and whitish discharge while that of the male genitalia are swelling, itching, soreness, smelly discharge under the foreskin, difficulty in retracting the foreskin, and painful sex or urination.